The problem

 

All products have a life expectancy but once they are broken we tend to throw them away in order for them to be recycled. Occasionally we sometimes make do and mend, but some specific products that we buy tend to have materials that can’t be fixed.

 

 

Taking that British weather has allot of rain and that umbrellas are a common product that often get damaged and thrown away, their structure and materials have allot to offer. Given that the main material is waterproof and covers a large area this offered the collaboration a range of different design scenarios. 

  

 

Encouraging one to use their broken umbrella would have to be marketed to a specified target audience. Watching the outdoor environment on a wet and windy day showed various pedestrians who didn’t have an umbrella could do with a form of shelter constructed from the material. 

 

 

The Idea 

 

The idea was to design a dog garment made from waste umbrella material that would be presented in a form of a publication. Working as a collaborator with a product designer the idea of using clear visual communication, would act as clear instruction guide for the user when making the product.

 

 

Deconstructing an umbrella gave the understanding of what steps would need to take place when illustrating the instructions. Going through this process showed what excess material could be re-purposed in order to prevent any further purchase. 

 

 

Re-using components, such as popper buttons that fasten an umbrella were used as an attachment for the open and closing of the garment. Other reusable materials such as some umbrellas having Velcro could also be used to secure parts such as straps under the belly area.   

 

 

The Development -  http://apapadimas1collaboration.blogspot.co.uk/